The world of architecture has kept a steady but solid pace when adopting technology in making itself a more lucrative and productive industry. As architecture integrates technology, it also has to keep up with a clientele that wants nothing but a realistic interpretation of the style, design, and structure of a property or building. Gone are the days when a blueprint and a scale model of a project were enough to win the job. Thankfully, these demands can be met impressively and professionally thanks to today’s 3D architectural exterior rendering.
What is 3D Architectural Rendering?
A 3D architectural rendering is the process of crafting a three-dimensional image of a future architectural design.
The objective of 3d architectural visualization is to illustrate a life-like and almost actual finished product of a building even before construction begins. This sets a clear expectation among all the people involved in the project that the rendered image is what everyone should strive to achieve.
Using architectural rendering applications, architectural rendering companies and teams can produce sophisticated and impressive designs representing what the project should and would look like with a great level of detail.
Kinds of Architectural Rendering
The type of architectural rendering is dictated by location. It’s almost always the case for every project that all three kinds of architectural rendering are required.
Every visualization output impacts decisions regarding the property. It helps all parties involved to re-assess and make adjustments as needed to ensure that the result meets all provided standards.
- As the name suggests, interior rendering gives a real-life picture of how space, buildings, or rooms will look like from the inside. The details included when rendering interiors include the flooring, furnishings, textures, etc. Lighting and electrical locations are usually covered in this representation too. The order of the rooms and space allotted for every spot is also involved.
- Exterior rendering – this is very critical to the overall design and output of the project. 3D architectural exterior rendering deals with how the property will relate to its surroundings and the people within its perimeter. Usually, an exterior render includes the nearby establishments, and factors like reflection, light, and shadow are realistically represented.
- Aerial rendering – most companies use this as a bidding strategy. It is common during the proposal stages to see several aerial interpretations of the project. This provides a dynamic perspective so everyone working on the project can clearly understand the landscapes and buildings within the area. All possible challenges and interventions when it comes to the location are usually discussed with the aerial rendering.
What are the Benefits of 3D Architectural Exterior Rendering?
- A clear vision shared – back then, architects would have to prepare hand-drawn sketches and show their clients their ideas. Regardless of how colorful, detailed, and accurate the prints, the technical drawings became slightly different when they got to the engineers or builders.
Usually, the architects create a design with a specific concept in mind, but other structural teams also interpret the idea. The client assumes that everyone is on the same page only to find out that there are several gaps in between. Pure imagination is not enough and can therefore lead to a costly disaster.
Using a 3D architectural exterior visualization removes all chances of speculation. Everybody gets a clear vision of what needs to be done and how it needs to be done. It not only keeps the project on track but lessens the disagreements and assumptions between engineers and other workers.
Benefits of 3D Architectural Exterior Rendering
Everybody can work with accuracy and awareness because all members are working towards a common goal.
- Plenty of time to re-assess – a significant perk of rendering exteriors and interiors is you can identify the problems at the early stages of development, reducing costs and error margins.
Everybody in the team can sit back and develop solutions to potential problems. This is where communication becomes critical to create backup plans and even modify the original concept if needed.
Everyone can be at their best performance because with correct strategic planning, you can finish the job without feeling stressed, thanks to the building render.
- Better feedback – with a 3D exterior visualization, you can bridge the disconnect between the architectural language and your client’s comprehension without upsetting anybody.
Usually, clients who are not well-versed with terminologies won’t understand your architect’s vision. 3D renders solve this problem, and your client can let you know exactly what they want or need.
Consider this. Your client wants a different color for the exterior cladding. They don’t know what cladding is but with a 3D exterior render available; your client can show you and tell you that these are the parts that they want to be changed. No room for miscommunication, and everyone remains happy.
The feedback can also be incorporated easily because architects can make the requested modifications and share the new render within the day. The initial render is also made available just in case the client wants to compare.
How Much Does 3D Rendering Cost?
A 3D exterior rendering company charges for its services depending on the project.
Each company uses different software and has expert teams handling the 3D exterior rendering project. Depending on your agreement, your chosen group can take ownership of the photorealistic rendering under various lighting parameters like dusk, dawn, daytime, summer, and cloudy. These visualizations can help you with the overall planning, designing, and imaging of your project.
Part of the service would be the revisions based on the initial feedback to produce a second draft. The renderings go through a quality check before the final output gets sent electronically.
Rendering prices vary depending on the amount of detail and quality required. To have a general idea, 3D rendering is priced around:
- Interior for residential property is between $200-$700
- Exterior for residential property is between $300-$1000
- Exterior for a small commercial space is between $500-$1000
- Exterior for a larger retail space is between $1000-$2750.
- If animation is involved, costs can go as high as $5000 and even more, especially if there are complex requirements.
How Much Do Architectural Renderers Make?
An architectural renderer can earn an average salary of $84,780 per year depending on tenure and affiliation. It is not the highest-paying career in the industry, but with most clients wanting this for projects, the prospect for architectural renderers looks bright.
What’s the Best 3D Architectural Rendering Software?
Architecture is now a balance of knowing how to draw designs on your drafting table and using computers to render your idea.
With computers, you can review the design flaws and the structural challenges, making your effort worthwhile. You’ll be confident that you’ve covered all the project’s outside factors.
To do this, you will need a rendering software to convert your designs into a reality – at least virtually for the time being.
If you are considering buying software for architects, then here are some of your best options:
1. Blender – one of the most powerful rendering software today, this is a top choice because it is free. One might assume that since it is free, it is just a basic rendering application, but Blender is jam-packed with helpful features.
It is powerful enough to let you design houses for skyscrapers. And as a bonus, learning this software is easy because it has one of the most supportive and capable communities. If you get stuck somewhere, there would be loads of free assistance coming from your Blender resources.
Pros:
- Open source, so it is free to distribute and use
- Reliable and helpful Blender community
- Excellent rendering tools and features
Con:
- Difficult to master because it has a learning curve
2. Maxwell – most architects are introduced to 3D rendering with this software as it is also free to distribute and use. Many prefer Maxwell because of its user-friendly interface and rendering tools that are powerful and useful.
This software is easy to implement and understand. That’s why architects typically use this first before moving on to any other platform. It also has an online community that you can rely on for answers and recommendations.
Pros:
- Ideal for beginners
- User-friendly interface
- Open-source with a helpful community
Con:
- Slow output time when rendering
3. Autodesk Revit – another household name in the architecture industry, this software boasts rendering tools like no other. It also has a wide selection of models and textures that you can play and learn from.
One of the best professional software, newbies and professionals would always have this on their Start-Up Menu.
Pros:
- Decent rendering capabilities
- Extensive tools and features
- Ideal for all architects
Con:
- Free license only for students
Conclusion
3D architectural exterior rendering opens up a world of collaborative possibilities for architects and their clients. It is best to start the journey of using 3D rendering by enlisting the services of a professional rendering company. Plus Render is one of the best service providers out there, providing high-quality, realistic 3D renders at prices that won’t burn a hole in your pocket. Plus Render’s service is professional, time and cost-efficient, and adds great value to your projects. Try their services to experience the world of 3D architectural rendering today.
